NFL Mock Draft 2012: 49ers Upgrade O-line With Former Badger

With the 30th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers select Kevin Zeitler, G, Wisconsin.

The 49ers are the defending NFC West champions. There defense was great. Their offense wasn't bad with Jim Harbaugh making fans believe in quarterback Alex Smith, who is back in the fold. They've bolstered their wide receiver spot and have two solid tight ends. They're deep at pretty much every position, so the key for SF is to go with best player available that they feel need when the Niners' turn to pick comes, and that player is... offensive guard Kevin Zeitler from Wisconsin.

The Niners' war room realizes that choosing a guard in the first round is rare, but this draft has some first-round talent at the position and Zeitler played at run-oriented Wisconsin, where he went to back-to-back Rose Bowls. At 6-4 and 314 pounds, Zeitler is viewed as a perfectionist at his position and can bulldoze. He'll fill a hole the 49ers have at guard and should blend in well with a coach with a Big 10 background.

Pass or run, Zeitler is a solid option as a blocker and has late first-round/early second-round talent. He's a player at a need position for San Francisco, and SF doesn't need help at most positions.

The New England Patriots are on the clock. Jess Root will make their selection.